US troops expulsion from Niger tied to turmoil over transition timeframe, official discloses

A source within the US government said the demand for the expulsion of the U.S. troops from Niger was due to a disagreement over transition timeframe.

The United States has announced that talks have begun to withdraw troops from Niger, which was a major ally in Washington’s fight against extremist insurgencies that have killed thousands and displaced millions before a coup last year.

Reuters news agency quoted a source within the U.S. government saying that the junta demanded the withdrawal of American military personnel because they were not willing to satisfy the transition arrangement suggested.

The US source stated on Wednesday that Washington anticipated that the ruling junta would publish a relatively short transition time frame.

Recall that the ruling junta in Niger terminated with immediate effect, an accord that allowed military personnel and civilian staff from the U.S. Department of Defense to operate on its soil.

It accused the US of profiting from Niger, interfering with its internal affairs, and attempting to dominate its foreign relations.

The ruling junta also faulted Washington for not paying for the stationing of troops on the territory of the West African nation.

The US had about 1,000 troops stationed in Niger, operating from two bases, including a $100 million drone base near Agadez.

The withdrawal marks a significant development in the US military presence in the region.

The troops have been operating in the country since 2018, using the site to target terrorist organisations based in the Sahel.